Challenge Level: Family Friendly

  • Flag Hill Trail Guide

    Flag Hill Trail Guide

    WHERE THE NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER MEETS ABRAHAM LAKE

    The short hike up Flag Hill above Preacher’s Point takes you to some nice views of Abraham Lake and the Kootenay Plains.

    It’s a quick hike but there’s no reason not to bring a book along and linger for a while to enjoy the views.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 1.6 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~75 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: Approximately 59 km west of Nordegg and 31 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. Look for an abandoned driveway with a culvert on the side of the road.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    FLAG HILL ACCESS | 0.8 KM

    • 0.1 km | Look for a faint trail next to an old streambed
    • 0.3 km | Base of the hill
    • 0.8 km | Top of Flag Hill

    FLAG HILL RETURN TRAIL | 0.8 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the old access where you parked, walk up along the edge of the forest along the road until you come across a dry creek bed and find a faint path. From there, make your way to the base of the ridge straight ahead. At the bottom of the ridge the trail becomes obvious, making it’s way up the hill to the makeshift flagpole.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Goldeye Lake Trail Guide

    Goldeye Lake Trail Guide

    A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKE NEAR NORDEGG

    An easy hike for the whole family along the shores of Goldeye Lake for those looking to stretch their legs.

    After a crazy summer, we finally had a chance to head out for a couple of days of family fun. We’d originally planned to do the second mine tour but they had closed for the season the day before. Making new plans on a lazy day we decided to head out for a short family hike. We hadn’t spent much time at Goldeye Lake before and since we’d often heard about it we decided to give it a try.

    Maybe our expectations were too high but we were a little disappointed with this hike. While pleasant and a great option for an evening stroll, we found that this walk didn’t offer views or an experience as good as nearby Fish Lake.

    We would definitely recommend this trail if you’re staying at the campground or just looking to stretch your legs on the way through.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2.4 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~30 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: Loop
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Goldeye Lake PRA & Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Trailhead: The Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area is approximately 11 km west of Nordegg and 83 east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. The trail starts in the day use area of the campground.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    GOLDEYE LAKE TRAIL

    • 0.0 km | Trailhead at the day use area
    • 0.3 km | Fire Guard for the Goldeye Centre
    • 0.4 km | Goldeye Centre dock and stairs
    • 0.6 km | Second Fire Guard
    • 0.7 km | Straight at the junction with a trail merging from the right
    • 0.8 km | Boardwalk across the marsh
    • 1.0 km | The trail re-enters the forest
    • 1.9 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
    • 2.0 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
    • 2.4 km | Back at the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    The trail starts at the north east corner of the day use parking lot. Follow the hiking trail sign past the day use picnic area and into the forest.

    After 300 metres the trail emerges along the lake shore. From there you will pass the fireguards that were built around the Goldeye Centre along with the stairs to the centre and their dock. They now offer canoe rentals which seemed very enticing on a warm afternoon. The Goldeye Centre is a private facility, please respect their property and stay on the trail through this section.

    Shortly after the second fireguard, the trail heads into the forest. The trail merging from the right at 0.7 km leads back to the Goldeye Centre, continue straight ahead. A 100 metres later the trail emerges from the forest into the marshland. As you follow the boardwalk take a few minutes to enjoy the view and appreciate this sensitive and ecologically significant area.This is probably the best part of the hike.

    From there the trail heads back into the forest, offering glimpses of the lake along the way. At 1.9 km there is a junction. The main trail is straight ahead. I believe that the trail to the right is the Goldeye – Dryhaven connector described in David Thompson Highway – A Hiking Guide. The trail to the left leads to the lake shore.

    Shortly after this junction there is a bridge over the Black Canyon Creek. Stay on the main trail to return to the trailhead. The path to the right immediately after the bridge appears to lead to a set of waterfall. We’ll check it out on a future trip and update. If you’ve taken this path please let us know in the comments below.

    The trail returns to the day-use area next to the dock. The perfect spot to enjoy a break after your hike.

  • Siffleur Falls Trail Guide

    Siffleur Falls Trail Guide

    THE CLASSIC HIKE ON THE KOOTENAY PLAINS

    One of the most popular hike in the area and for good reasons, taking you right to the edge of the canyon and up close for great views of Siffleur Falls.

    The trail can be busy, especially on summer weekends. If you head out midweek, in the spring or later in the season you can often have the whole area to yourself.

    This hike is located within the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve which encompasses approximately 34 square kilometres of the North Saskatchewan River valley south of Abraham Lake. The area is intersected by the Siffleur and North Saskatchewan rivers with open plains dominated by grasses, forbs and stands of aspen and limber pine trees. White spruce and lodgepole pines cover most of the surrounding slopes.

    The area is influenced by the surrounding mountains, the wide shape of the valley and the consistent winds. As a result, the climate is relatively dry and warm creating favourable conditions for a wide diversity of wildlife and plant species.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 7 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~805 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Busy
    • Management: Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: Approximately 62 km west of Nordegg and 21 km east of the Banff National Park boundary. The trail starts at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area which provides ample parking space and dry toilets.

    The Trail Guide

    SIFFLEUR FALLS ACCESS | 3.5 KM

    • 0.5 km | Suspension bridge
    • 0.7 km | Boardwalk
    • 1.2 km | Go left at the end of the boardwalk
    • 1.8 km | Siffleur River Bridge
    • 1.9 km | Go right at the junction
    • 2.4 km | Hill
    • 3.2 km | Canyon Viewpoint
    • 3.5 km | Siffleur Falls

    SIFFLEUR FALLS RETURN TRAIL | 3.5 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the trailhead parking lot, follow the main Siffleur Falls trail making your way across the North Saskatchewan River on the suspension bridge. A boardwalk has been build through the next section. This area is extremely fragile, please stay on the boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, follow Glacier Trail on the left toward the Siffleur River.

    Shortly after the Siffleur River bridge the trails comes at a junction. The Siffleur Falls trail is the one on the right.

    The trail follows the river a short distance before reaching the only hill on this hike. It is a short uphill from there to some great views of Two O’Clock Ridge across the valley and the Siffleur River canyon.

    The trail heads into the forest for a short section before coming up to great views of the canyon and a series of viewing platforms. The falls ahead are impressive with the Siffleur River plunging 15 m through a narrow channel in the rock. Take the time to enjoy the views and make sure to stay a safe distance from the cliffs and canyon edge.

    THE RETURN

    The falls mark the end of the trail for most people. If you want to go further, the trail continues to two more sets of falls and leads to the Siffleur Wilderness Area. You can find out more about the next section in the Siffleur Falls – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access trail guide. To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footsteps.

  • Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    A SHORT HIKE THROUGH A PAST FOREST FIRE

    A shorter hike along Thompson Creek through the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn area with a nice waterfall providing a great lunch spot.

    Thompson Creek is a great option for families and those travelling along the David Thompson Highway looking to stretch their legs.

    This hike is located near the Banff National Park boundary, across from the Thompson Creek Campground. The area was affected by the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn of 2009 providing great insights on the ecological role of forest fires in the area.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~50 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: You can start the trail at the day use area of Thompson Creek Campground which provides ample parking space, washrooms and a day use area with tables or you can park on the side of the highway at the creek. The trailhead is approximately 83 km west of Nordegg and 9 km east of the highway 93 junction at Saskatchewan Crossing.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    THOMPSON CREEK

    This is a straightforward trail along the right side of the creek. Follow the trail starting on the side of the highway up to the lower falls.

    THE JOURNEY

    From the day use area located within the Thompson Creek Campground, head behind the washroom facilities and cross highway 11. You will find the trail near the creek itself.

    Almost immediately you will come across sections of trails that were damaged during the flood of June 2013. A new trail is already appearing but there are still some light bushwacking along the way.

    Most of the trail is in an area that burnt in 2009 as part of the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn. The contrast between the burnt trees still standing and the new vegetation that is growing below makes for a very enjoyable hike.

    As you walk along the creek keep an eye for some nice viewpoints of the peaks across the valley.

    Closer to the fall the landscape starts to change. The creek channel becomes narrower and the banks start to get steeper.

    The falls are a great spot for a lunch break. Head back to the trailhead following the same trail.

    For those more adventurous, cross the creek on the rough log bridge for a closer view of the falls. The trails that continues from here will take you to the upper Thompson Creek Falls, about 5 km away on a rough trail.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

Call: (403) 986-6190
Email: bookings@nordeggadventures.ca

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